Looking for a great social studies curriculum for little learners? The Discover! curriculum for social studies (and math, science, and ELA!) is an option worth checking out!
Social studies is often overlooked, but it is arguably one of the most important parts of a K-6 homeschool curriculum. Finding a great social studies curriculum can be challenging though!
Not only does a strong social studies curriculum give kids a strong foundation in understanding and making connections in their own world, but it also allows them to see how the outside world connects to their lives.
Disclaimer: I was compensated for my time to write this post. All opinions are my own.
I want to introduce you to the Discover! Curriculum. Since early learning is so important to me, I spend more time delving into the first-grade social studies homeschool curriculum (loved it!), so I’ll be mentioning that.
However, the same principles and ideas can be seen throughout the entirety of the 1st-6th grade curriculums.
Understanding Discover! Curriculum
So, what is Discover? The Discover! Curriculum is a comprehensive and engaging program specifically designed for students in grades 1-6. There are courses for each grade in math, science, ELA, and social studies.
Developed by educational experts, this curriculum aims to foster a deep understanding of concepts while encouraging critical thinking, inquiry, and hands-on learning.
With its user-friendly structure, eye-catching images, and interactive approach, Discover! ensures that homeschooling families have all the resources they need to provide a great education for their children.
What I Really Like About the Discover! Curriculum: I have kids who loved textbooks and workbooks when they were little. It made them feel like they were “doing school” and filled them with excitement.
I absolutely love that the Discover! Curriculum includes both digital and print components. It gives families the best of both worlds and lets kids learn in ways that feel the most comfortable and engaging to them.
The Focus on 1st grade
Since I spent a lot of time digging into the first-grade Discover! Curriculum, I want to explain more about why it’s such a great option for lower elementary in regards to what it offers little learners.
In 1st grade, children are at a crucial stage of their educational journey. They are transitioning from the early years of foundational preschool and kindergarten learning to a more structured and academic approach. This can be really hard for some kids!
The Discover! Curriculum for 1st grade recognizes this pivotal stage and offers a curriculum that is tailored to meet the unique needs of these young learners.
In fact, no matter where in the 1st-6th grade journey your child is, the Discover! Curriculum meets them where they are and gently challenges them to develop and grow.
So many homeschool curriculums leave out the push to grow in favor of pushing facts and being able to solve problems. The Discover! Curriculum asks kids to think, and I love that!
Exposing Students to the Wider World
One of the standout features of the Discover! Social Studies curriculum is its ability to expose students to the wider world outside of their immediate surroundings.
Students are transported to different cultures, countries, and historical events through captivating lessons, interactive activities, and engaging multimedia resources.
They develop an appreciation for diversity and gain a global perspective that extends beyond their own backyard.
Creating Connections to Personal Experiences
While the Discover! Social Studies curriculum takes students on a journey around the world, it also recognizes the importance of connecting their learning to their own personal experiences.
By incorporating relatable stories, real-life examples, and hands-on projects, this curriculum bridges the gap between the unfamiliar and the familiar.
Students are encouraged to draw connections between what they learn about different cultures or historical events and how it relates to their own lives.
Emphasizing Critical Thinking and Inquiry
The Discover! Social Studies curriculum goes beyond rote memorization and encourages critical thinking and inquiry – even at the first-grade level.
Through thought-provoking questions, open-ended discussions, and problem-solving tasks, students develop essential skills such as analyzing information, making connections, and forming their own opinions.
This cultivates a sense of curiosity and empowers students to become active participants in their own learning. In other words, it helps kids learn to love learning!
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
To enhance the learning experience, the Discover! Curriculums incorporate a range of hands-on activities.
From creating maps and timelines to conducting simple experiments and simulations, students actively engage with the content and develop a deeper understanding of concepts in social studies, as well as in science, ELA, and math. T
hese hands-on experiences not only make learning more enjoyable but also reinforce comprehension and retention.
Integrating Other Subjects
The Discover! Curriculums understand the interconnectedness of subjects and strive to integrate various disciplines within the curriculum.
By incorporating elements from language arts, math, science, and art, the curriculums across all grade levels provide a holistic learning experience that reinforces concepts across multiple subjects.
This interdisciplinary approach fosters a well-rounded education and encourages students to make connections between different areas of knowledge that they might not otherwise use or engage with if they’re just focusing on one topic.
Important Note: Keep in mind that many children in first grade are still going to need extensive assistance to complete assignments, and that’s true for this curriculum as well.
While they may be asked to write things, at this stage of their learning, you will most likely be doing the writing for them as they dictate their answers. And that’s okay! I just wanted you to be aware that this isn’t an independent curriculum at the first-grade stage.
Flexibility for Homeschooling Families
As homeschooling families, we all appreciate the flexibility that comes with tailoring our children’s education. The different Discover! Curriculums understand this need and offer a flexible structure that can be adapted to fit your homeschooling style.
Whether you prefer a structured daily schedule or a more relaxed approach, this curriculum provides options that allow you to customize your child’s learning experience.
How to Get Started with the Discover! Curriculum
Getting started with the Discover! Curriculum is easy for homeschooling families.
It’s available in both print and hybrid formats, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your preferences and needs.
Simply select the grade level and subject you’re interested in (I highly recommend social studies!), choose whether you want print-only or the hybrid curriculum, gather the required materials, and you’re ready to go!
Use the code Discover3blog15 to save 15% off a complete subject kit! The offer expires on October 23, 2023.
The Discover! Curriculum is a great resource for homeschooling families seeking to provide a comprehensive education for their young learners.
The 1st Grade Social Studies curriculum, in particular, ignites a love for learning about different cultures, history, geography, and more. But all of the Discover! Curriculums emphasize critical thinking, inquiry, hands-on learning opportunities, and integration with other subjects.
If you’re looking for a rigorous curriculum that combines digital and print options into one well-rounded learning experience, be sure to check out Discover! Curriculums this homeschool year!